We had our wedding here in December 2019. The venue is beautiful and iconic and has wonderful…read moreviews. The business that runs it, however, is awful. Sunsphere Events staff (specifically the owners and operators) were extremely rude to us and our family on our wedding day, but also neglected to set up a third of the tables and chairs we'd requested and they had approved. A third of our guests had to stand through dinner and while everyone remained in good spirits, this is very frustrating from our perspective. We even had some guests who left before dinner because they couldn't find seats. In follow-up emails they've been untruthful to us in order to cover up their mistakes, and they also claim they were not rude when we had everyone who interacted with them directly tell us otherwise. It's incredibly frustrating to have an otherwise perfect day marred by such an incompetent and gross company. I would absolutely recommend having your event at the Sunsphere, just wait until a different company is running the venue.

I reserved the 6th floor for my company's holiday party in December of last year…read more Pros: This is an iconic and fun venue, and the view is great. It was convenient that we could play our own music over the speakers. They provided a microphone so we were able to conduct a rousing game of trivia. They set up a Christmas tree for us, and the lights reflecting off the windows created a beautiful ambiance. Cons: The event staff advertises the 6th floor as capable of accommodating as many as 150 seated guests. My group contained about 140 seated guests, and space was tight. On a related note, several members of my group complained about the availability of the restrooms. (I didn't see it myself, but I heard that there was only one stall for men and one for women.) Taking all of this into account, I'd say that this floor should probably be capped at 100 seated guests. When I arrived an hour before the event to take care of any last minute details, everything was supposed to be set up, but due to some internal staff miscommunication, it wasn't. I helped them set up the tables and chairs for the better part of an hour. They had another holiday party going on at the same time on the 8th floor, which divided the attention of the Sunsphere staff and also limited the availability of the elevators. The table linens they provided weren't clean on either side, and the chairs and chair cushions could definitely benefit from an upgrade. Also, this is more of a personal issue, but the event staff directed me to park in the fire lane to unload the party supplies, and while I was parked there, I got a ticket. This is a pretty mixed review, which is representative of my group's reactions to this venue, but my overall impression was negative, especially since no one on staff followed up with me after the event to ensure satisfaction. With a few tweaks, this experience could have been a lot better.

If it's a Ripleys experience it is a great experience. This place is a lot of fun with very cool…read moreinteractive entertainment. Only downside is the place could easily be 5 times the size.

This place was fun, but for the price, we expected to be there for more than 20-30 minutes. Maybe a…read morefew more interactive exhibits for kids would help? I'm not sure. But we had 4 boys and 3 adults ranging from 44 to 5 in the party, and we were done in about 20 minutes.

We had such an amazing stay at The Arbors at Island Landing! Our room was spotless, super…read morecomfortable, and perfect for our family. The updated bathroom was a huge plus--the stone tile shower with a waterfall shower head felt like a spa experience! The outdoor heated pool was a huge hit with my 3- and 6-year-old--they didn't want to get out! The location is unbeatable--walking distance to The Island and so many attractions, which made everything so easy and stress-free. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating, even letting us check in 3 hours early, which made a big difference after traveling with kids. We even had the chance to meet the owner, who was so nice and welcoming--it really made the stay feel extra special. The breakfast voucher for Reagan's Pancake Breakfast was such a great bonus--delicious and a fun experience for the whole family! Highly recommend staying here--we will definitely be back!

Two major things for me they excelled at was comfort of the beds and putting our room towards the…read moreback so it would be quieter. 2 out of 3 nights there was a large bang like a large trash container had been dropped by a garbage truck but other than that, restful nights. The breakfast across the street wish the $6 upgrade for the breakfast buffet worked well with our busy days we had planned. The snacks and especially the hot beverages at night were a welcome back treat. We stayed in November and it was a bit cold for us Floridians. We did not partake in the entertainment night but the person singing seemed very good. The fire pit nicely seemed like a nice touch as well. Staff was exceptional and there is not much I can complain about with our stay. Rooms seemed in good condition and it was cute to have an animal towel on our bed when we arrived. Central to Pigeon Forge and within walking distance of the Island. We will definitely stay here again.

We want to do a bunch of upgrades to our home, and yard, and heard the home and garden show was at…read morethe expo center. So off we went to Knoxville. I was not impressed with the parking lot, for it is falling apart! Needs some love, we parked far away and the uneven lot could be harsh if you do not watch your step! We went through it quickly which was fine by me. I do not like pushy sales folks so I walk on by. We got info, on things that interested us. Hubby and I signed up for drawings of items we liked. Lots of gutter sales folks. The folks we did stop and talk with were outstanding. Will come for other events.

I like this Expo Center. In fact, it is my favorite to come among all convention centers, public…read morearenas and expo centers in East Tennessee. The promoters here are known for delivering exceptional service and facilities one event at a time. Shows: That is what this place in known for. They have gun shows, boat shows, RV shows, flea markets, trade shows, consumer shows and special events here. There's bathroom facilities at the front entrance along with a concession stand. Tickets Sales booth is outside at front entrance. Parking: Theres plenty of parking in front and along the side of the building. I have no problem about parking every time I come here for an event. Restaurants: If you come here for an event and don't want hot dogs or hamburgers, then there are lots of restaurants in the area. Only about a mile away is Cracker Barrel and Hooters off of Interstate 75 at Exit 108. However, there are numerous restaurants in the area.

Stayed here for a friend's wedding. The lodge sits atop a hill with stunning views of Gatlinburg…read moreMain Street and the Smokies. It's a two-story lodge with multiple rooms for couples featuring king-size beds and multiple bunk bed rooms for families and children, accommodating over 80 people. The view was breathtaking, and the dual-level outdoor decks were perfect for gatherings. Highly recommend for family reunions or large friend trips!

We stayed here with a group for our friends' wedding. Easily one of the most spectacular lodges…read morethat we've been in, and at the top of the hill overlooking Gatlinburg and the Smokys, it was spectacular inside and out. The outside balcony has nice seating areas and the interior is well decorated and feels like a very upscale lodge experience, especially when you are in there with friends.

Thanks to Google Maps (and my thorough trip itinerary planning), I had discovered the historic…read more(once a) "ghost town" of Elkmont. For America's most visited national park, it can be difficult to escape the crowds within the Great Smoky Mountains--yet Elkmont is one place to do just that! This Little River Valley was once home to a pioneer Appalachian community, a logging town, and later a resort community. To this day, old relics and abandoned buildings from the past remain--awaiting to be explored. The area was settled in the 1840s as the town of Little River when a logging company was formed. A railroad was later constructed to transport timber for the Little River Lumber Company. This eventually allowed the wealthy from Knoxville to visit what eventually became a resort town. When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was was established in 1934, residents were given the option to sell their homes at full price and relocate, or sell to the National Park Service (NPS) for a discounted price allowing them to live there until they become deceased. By 1992, most of the homes remained vacant or with expired leases leading 70+ historic buildings into a state of deterioration. Thankfully the NPS decided to renovate and preserve 19 buildings in Elkmont for public visitation. You can now find the Elkmont Historic District with cabins along Jakes Creek Road that were completed around 1997. They attempted to keep the buildings in the closest original condition--even their exterior paint colors! Each cabin has information about the tenants and any unique features. Unfortunately, the cabins cannot be brought up to code for renting or staying inside. However, the largest lodge known as the Appalachian Club is available as an event venue. Continue to explore the Old Elkmont Cemetery up a rocky road near the beginning of Elkmont Road, or choose to hike the Jakes Creek or Little River Trails where you will venture past less discovered old chimneys, walls and tractors that still remain. Directions: Coming from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge or Cherokee, turn to go west on Fighting Creek Gap Road toward Cade's Cove (turn off near the Sugarlands Visitor Center). After the Laurel Falls trailhead, watch for signs to Elkmont Campground. Follow Elkmont Road all the way til it becomes a loop drive at Jakes Creek Trail Trailhead.

I saw this place on tiktok by Daisytown and also Elkmont. The drive out here is a lil wonky and…read morewill take a long time to get out here. If you are handicap, you dont have to pay for parking. But otherwise you need to get a day pass at the visitor center.

Amazing venue perfect for any special occasion from weddings, to birthdays, holidays, or any…read morespecial occasion you have!!!! This place has everything you need!!!! Spectacular set up, full kitchen, two bedrooms and living room area for that special day!!! And working with the owner he was right there on call if needed!!! They knocked it out the park!!!!

We really like this place. Very clean, in a great spot for walking the strip, and a great pool area…read moreon the roof. Hotel is very clean. Nice decorations and friendly staff. They have covered parking but it's only 6 ft 6 inches clearance so bear that in mind. Plenty of outside parking if needed. Pool is wonderful and clean. Towels are provided. They have poolside cabanas and loungers in the shallow area that are free to anyone to use. We enjoyed standing at the edge of the pool and watching the strip traffic down below. Rooftop bar is nice and clean. Spacious and they have a good assortment of beverages. Too hot for us to enjoy the outside area but I bet it's very nice in cooler weather. Overall, a great stay. We shall return!

Pro's: Close to strip. Con's: paid parking-very narrow slots…read moreunder hotel, noisy ajoining room neighbors, crowds everywhere, hours of restaurants in hotel.